Senate Approves Gun Bill

The Alabama Senate has approved a bill to allow people to carry loaded handguns in their vehicles without getting pistol permit. The bill by Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale cleared the Senate 20-7 Wednesday night and now goes to the House for consideration. Currently, people without a pistol permit can carry a handgun in their vehicles provided it is unloaded and out of reach. They need to buy a pistol permit from a county sheriff to carry a loaded gun in their vehicles. Beason said citizens shouldn't have to buy a permit to protect themselves. The bill is opposed by the Alabama Sheriffs Association, which predicts it will lead to sheriffs selling fewer pistol permits. The revenue supports law enforcement and other functions of county government.